The Next Faithful Thing

 “May your eyes be attuned to the good already happening.

And may you do the next faithful thing,

even when no one notices and nothing feels resolved.” Kate Bowler


May you do the next faithful thing…

This has become my prayer during this season of Lent when my fear or grandiosity oversteps my capabilities and reality. As I learn to be present and not fix (as though I could?!), as I learn to pause and not hurl myself into the void, I can feel my lens adjust to the simple next step. Somehow I feel a gentle liberation, not the fireworks kind we celebrate, but the quiet kind we too often forget.


The next faithful thing then becomes exciting and energizing. What might it look like?


The next faithful thing might be recommitting to a deeper practice of prayer. I pause before hitting play on the Netflix series I have been binging and pour a cup of tea as I settle for a long afternoon gaze at the ocean. I think of God and all whom I love. 


The next faithful thing might be to call a friend from whom I have not heard in ages letting go of my ego keeping score.


The next faithful thing might be to sit with another friend who is lost in a world of dementia and to discover who she is now and what she needs, letting go of my discomfort or learning from it.


This morning I am struggling with knowing what the next faithful thing is. I have friends who have been sheltering in place in Jerusalem, hopefully now in Jordan. I believe I am meant to turn East and pray fervently for their safety and a peace which passes understanding.


When I do follow the next faithful thing, it does feel like something inside me is being “attuned”. I don’t feel as dissonant. Grief and fear can be beautiful chords.


The next faithful thing is a mere step toward a kindom which has no end. It is a beautiful and eternal space.

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